Plantation drives begin in Amritsar district as rains arrive

Following a call given by the Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, to plant the maximum number of trees in the district, massive plantation drives have been launched across various institutions. With focus on capitalising on monsoon for plantation of native trees and air purifying varieties of plants, several government and non-government organisations (NGOs) have been roped in to carry out plantation drives across open spaces.

Red Cross Amritsar and Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) started with the campaign today with tree plantation carried out on their respective premises. At District Red Cross office, IAS Piyusa posted in the district recently, led the plantation drive as she instructed the Red Cross employees to take along active social service organisations in the district and make the common people aware about the importance of planting the maximum number of trees in public places.

“Since open spaces earmarked for plantation are being sought, we are encouraging residents to plant at people’s homes, farm houses, industrial units and public parks,” she said.

The administration has ensured possible support and provision of saplings for this.

At GNDU, artist and environmentalist Baljinder Singh Mann, who is also a government school teacher, planted neem saplings. Mann is famous for utilising recycled products and materials to create art, demonstrating his commitment to sustainability. He was joined by several athletes from GNDU and archery coach Balraj Singh Virk, whose players have made a mark at the national and international levels. “We have launched plantation drives across 27 schools and colleges and look forward to contributing to saving the environment. However, small efforts make a long lasting impact,” he said. Mann appealed to the people that in this monsoon season, every person should plant at least two trees.